A Search and Rescue Operation was launched by the Greek Coast Guard on Monday afternoon in the sea area north off the island of Skopelos in the Sporades group. The SAR was launched after two tourists on an inflatable boat sent an SOS signal.
It was short before 5 p.m. on Monday when VHF radio Olympia, the telecommunications network that meets needs in the field of maritime safety (GMDSS system) for the reception and transmission of emergency, emergency and safety signals, received a distress signal.
An SOS signal transmitted from an inflatable boat called “Julia”.
The boat had reportedly a mechanical damage and the two tourist asked for help.
Communication with the boat ended abruptly, media report.
Authorities were informed and the Maritime Ministry ordered two Coast Guard vessels and a Super Puma helicopter in the area. Also a commercial ferry boat that happened to sail nearby participate in the SAR.
The search operation is focusing seven nautical miles north of the port of Skopelos island.
By 8 o’ clock in the evening, no traces of the boat were found.
